Bolland, Smith questionable for opener; Sharp ready

Things went silent during Chicago Blackhawks practice Wednesday when forward Jamal Mayers collided with teammate Patrick Sharp and appeared to injure his right wrist.

After skating off the ice in obvious pain, Mayers returned to practice and later said he was good to go for the Hawks' season opener Friday night against the Stars in Dallas.

Still unknown, however, is whether the Hawks will have the services of forwards Dave Bolland and Ben Smith.

Bolland skated after practice as he continues to recover from an upper-body injury and Smith has not yet been cleared for contact after suffering a concussion Sept. 28 following an illegal hit to the head by the Wings' Brendan Smith.

"(Bolland) skated after (practice) and tried it," Quenneville said. "He's questionable for the weekend. Hopefully we get him in."

After practice, coach Joel Quenneville said both players are questionable. If one or both can't go, the Hawks could call up a player from Rockford of the American Hockey League. Centers Marcus Kruger and Brandon Pirri would be the leading candidates.

Forward Patrick Sharp said he's ready to go on Friday.

"I feel strong on the ice (and) I feel better in the drills," Sharp said Wednesday. "My conditioning is where it needs to be. It's just a matter of game-speed and taking hits, protecting the puck and doing all that kind of stuff. I'm ready to go and barring anything major in the next day or two I'll be playing Friday."